A side effect of COVID that physicians say they are beginning to see more patients for is hair loss. LSU Health New Orleans Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Grieshaber said high stressors on the body like childbirth and COVID can cause temporary hair loss.
“It will precipitate something called telogen effluvium where your hair shifts into the resting stage. On average it can last anywhere from six to nine months and usually starts about two to three months after the precipitating event,” said Grieshaber.
She said you can lose up to 50% of your hair. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, she recommends visiting a dermatologist so they can rule out other causes like thyroid disease or anemia.
Hair loss can cause anxiety and Grieshaber said that will only add to the problem as high levels of stress can cause you to lose even more hair. She said there are supplements that can help.
“Nutrafol being my favorite one because it has ashwagandha in it that helps manage cortisol levels. Just managing that stress that’s associated with hair loss can sometimes be really helpful,” said Grieshaber.
Hair loss post-COVID can occur in both men and women, but Grieshaber said it’s more noticeable in women because they tend to have longer hair. Recovery is a long process, and she said it can take a minimum of three months before you see any progress.
“And sometimes even then the result is the cessation of the hair loss and not necessarily an improvement in the hair yet,” said Grieshaber.
Grieshaber said in addition to seeing a physician about your hair loss she also recommends not braiding or getting a perm when experiencing hair loss to minimize trauma to your hair.
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